More than 1,400 single Albertans who are working and receiving income support have been given an additional incentive to remain in the workforce. Effective Nov. 1, 2008 their earning exemptions will increase from $115 a month to $230 a month, which means they can earn more before their benefits are affected.
Benefit increases for all Alberta households receiving income support will also be effective on Nov. 1. The amount of the increase will vary depending on client type and family size. For example, a single person enrolled in an approved training program will receive an additional $90 per month and a working single parent with two children will receive an additional $105 per month. About 46,500 Alberta households including learners will benefit from this increase.
The increase is in response to the rising cost of living in Alberta. The majority of Albertans receiving income support benefits are looking for employment. They get short-term assistance while they are between jobs and can access career counseling, job placement services, upgrading programs and training for work programs to help them get jobs and keep working.
For more information please visit www.employment.alberta.ca. If you would like further information on this or any issue, please contact my constituency office at (403) 782-7725, toll free at 1-800-565-6432, by fax (403) 782-3307, by e mail lacombe.ponoka@assembly.ab.ca or mail 101, 4892, 46 Street, Lacombe, AB, T4L 2B4.